Open inguinal hernia repair and conventional cholecystectomy with special reference to the elderly

In this retrospective study 466 patients suffering from inguinal hernia disease underwent an open tension-free hernia repair (OTFHR) using the Lichtenstein technique. 117 patients were 70 years old and older (30%). Younger (less than or equal to69 years) and older patients (greater than or equal to70 years) were compared with respect to type of hernia, operating time, and length of stay in the hospital to clarify whether or not patients' age has an influence on these parameters. Mortality in both groups was 0%. Analysis confirmed the correlation of the parameter age with the duration of operation, type of hernia, and length of stay in hospital. The elderly have an aggravated risk of developing big sized hernias. Focussing on the parameter age as an aspect for perioperative risk, it could be shown that OTFHR under local anesthesia conditions is a safe procedure and achieves low recurrence rates. There is no contraindication for hernia operation in the elderly patient. Clinical data showed that open conventional cholecystectomy, e.g. the microcholecystectomy technique, avoids conversion procedures in elderly cholecystitis patients.